January 27 is declared as “The International Holocaust Remembrance Day”
by a Resolution adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2005,
of which Turkey is one of the co-sponsors. January 27 marks the
liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau Death Camp on that date in 1945, which
became one of the symbols of the World War II era.

Racism, extremism and antisemitism are the phenomena which soared in
Europe before World War II and caused one of the major tragedies in
history, that came to be called Holocaust. Millions of innocent people,
primarily Jews, were exterminated in an organized and systematic way by
the Nazi regime and its collaborators.

We commemorate millions of people who lost their lives during the
Holocaust with respect.

Today, it is our duty to do whatever it takes to avoid the reoccurance
of Holocaust which is one of the darkest periods of human history. This
is the common responsibility for all humanity.

In this respect, Turkey actively participates in the activities of the
“International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance” as an observer since
2008 and continues its efforts for the Holocaust not to be forgotten
and to forward the lessons learned to younger generations. Within this
framework, as in previous years, a commemoration ceremony is organized
today, on 27 January 2017, with broad participation. Alongside
students, lecturers, representatives of diplomatic corps and members of
the Turkish Jewish Community, Deputy Prime Minister H.E. Mr. Tuğrul
Türkeş will participate in this ceremony hosted by the University of
Ankara.

Being aware of its responsibility, Turkey will resolutely continue its
fight against anti-semitism, racism, xenophobia, and Islamophobia,
which unfortunately have regained ground in today’s world.